Cocktails for Cockapoos
By Hayley Toler | August 18, 2011 4:44 PM
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The Pet Rescue Center invites the community to show support for homeless dogs and cats by attending its Providing Shelter Benefit Oct. 7 at Seven-Degrees. The center, located in Mission Viejo, was founded by Laguna Beach locals Dr. Matthew Wheaton and his wife Blythe, who serves as Executive Director. In addition to taking in homeless cats and dogs for rehabilitation and rehoming, The Pet Rescue Center also offers programs ranging from youth education to behavior training, distinguishing itself from a municipal animal shelter in the range of programs and medical services it offers.
The ticket price has recently been reduced to $100, which will help the center achieve their mission of saving the lives of dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia through education, spay/neuter and rescue programs. Held at Seven-Degrees, The Pet Rescue Center’s blowout benefit of the year will be an optimistic night of cocktail celebration filled with appetizers, desserts, drinks and live music.
The Pet Rescue Center combats euthanizing of unwanted pets through their rescue and relinquishment programs, which provides temporary shelter for pets that can no longer be taken care of by their families.
“Sometimes loving pet owners have to downsize their homes due to economic circumstances and because of a lack of resources, or they move to an area where they can’t take their dog with them. What do they do with their dog?” asks Blythe Wheaton, co-founder and executive director.
The relinquishment program dogs and cats are only10 percent of the center’s population. “If we admit every single dog or cat, we would take over 40 animals a day rather than the 40 a month that we care for in total,” Wheaton explains.
Not only does The Pet Rescue Center network with other vets, shelters, rescue groups and the communities throughout all of California to rescue dogs and cats from situations that would result in euthanasia, but it provides for all the medical needs of the rescued animals. In addition, their community outreach program provides educational materials to the community, including children pre-K to grade six, and they feature an “Ask the Doctor” opportunity at various events.
With activities ranging from doggie meet and greet to a caricature artist, the Oct. 7 animal affair is sure to not only be barrels of barking fun, but an opportunity to support humane adoption systems. During the event, a silent auction will raise additional money for the center. Prizes include an eight-hour yacht day trip, private backstage viewing of “How I Met your Mother” and a stay in a Mexican villa.
“Our mission – to reduce unnecessary euthanasia of dogs and cats – aims to curb this issue through education, rescue, medical and social rehabilitation and rehoming,” Blythe explains. “If you love dogs and cats, supporting us is a rewarding way to see great things happen.”
The Pet Rescue Center is seeking monitory sponsors for the event. If you would like to learn more about The Pet Rescue Center, please visit www.thepetrescuecenter.org. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or attending the event, please visit www.providingshelter.org.
